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The Tango Dress

With the Big Sydney Tango Salon Festival only days away I am probably among many (women) wondering what to wear. I can't wear what I wore last year (can I?) I can't wear what I wore last week to the milonga at City Tatts - or last month to the milonga at the Russian Club... (no question)... and the tango budget is Tight. What with spending most of my tango income on updating the TangoAustralia website and buying CDs there is little left for a dress - and nothing for shoes.

Last night my tango friend, Miss Willow and I pondered the dilemma of dressing for tango. We both love the elegant fashions of the 1920s and 1930s, the long dropped waists and hems and the elegant slinky look - and I love the turbans (though I have only one to tango one or twice). I love the longer hemlines - I wouldn't wear a dress that came half way up my thighs to tango even if I could, they lack the necessary elegance and are more suited to salsa! The beading and feathers that were fashionable I also adore in small doses. I am also a fan of the big puffed sleeves of the slinky 1930s. I would love to be able find dresses like those worn by Naomi Watts in 'The Painted Veil' but even vintage shops don't stock such things at a price I can afford these days.

So I'm on the hunt for a bargain - or 2. This is my favourite way to shop! This Chanel from Victoria and Albert won't be on the list - but I love it - it's got everything, colour, elegance and that wow factor!. If only I'd paid attention way back when my mother was sewing and learnt to make my own clothes maybe I could concoct something like this!
At least this season it is possible to find hemlines that are more suited to those whose knees are not meant to be seen!

Comments

It's so Ginger Rogers. I wish I had the opportunity to wear such gorgeous frocks. But when you're in the pool and surf half your life and spending the other half at work or involved in domestic chores there's not much call for it!

I'll have to get to the Acadamy Awards one day! Sneak in the back door under an uber-star's frock!!!!!!

Good luck and I hope you find the perfect outfit. And isn't it outrageous that vintage shops are so expensive.

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